Talk show host Jerry Springer has died at the age of 79, his family has announced. The American broadcaster passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago.
Springer's devastated family shared that the star had been diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, with his health taking a turn for the worse in the days leading up to his death. Jene Galvin, a spokesperson for the family, told TMZ: "Jerry's ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word.
"He's irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on."
Read more: I’m A Celebrity… South Africa campmates told to hand over contraband
Prior before shooting to fame on television, Springer was a politician. He served on Cincinnati’s City Council in the early 1970s becfore being elected as Mayor in 1977.
Moving on from his career in politics, Springer worked as a news anchor and commentator for a broadcaster in Ohio before famously becoming a talk show host in 1991, when he launched his eponymous series. After "Springer" ended back in 2018, he became "Judge Jerry" for three seasons.
It is believed that plans for Springer's funeral and a memorial gathering are currently in the works.
Click here to subscribe to the South West TV Talk newsletter, bringing you the hottest showbiz news, gossip and features from across the West Country every week.
Read more:
I'm A Celeb: Myleene Klass's complicated love life as she returns to jungle
EastEnders fan favourite returns six years after her death
Carol Vorderman defended in 'explosive' I'm A Celebrity row by Helen Flanagan
Naked Attraction: Bristolian finds 'soulmate' after crude pasty joke
Ukrainian Naked Attraction star had Russian tank pointing at her window
